Stormy Start to Grouper Fishing Season Raises Concerns

The highly anticipated grouper fishing season officially began on April 1st. This season is of great significance to the local fishermen. However, the start of the season has been marred by unfavorable weather conditions. Over the past two weeks, strong surada winds have made it impossible for the fishermen to venture out to sea, causing a great deal of concern within the fishing industry.

Baltazar Gómez Catzín, a leader among the Isla Mujeres fishermen and president of the Federation of Fishing Cooperatives of the state, voiced his concerns over the strong winds that have hindered fishing activities. He said, "The wind is very strong and we can't go out fishing like this. We hope the weather will improve soon so we can capitalize on the demand for fish during Holy Week, a critical period for the industry's economy."

At present, grouper is being sold at seafood restaurants and fish markets for between 250 and 300 pesos per kilogram. Beachside, where the fish is sold directly by the fishermen, the price is approximately 220 pesos per kilogram. Grouper fishing is a vital source of income for coastal communities, but its success is heavily reliant on the weather conditions.

In related news, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader), through the National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (Conapesca), has authorized the fishing of the pink snail (Lobatus gigas) from March 1 to April 30 in various locations including Punta Herrero, the Banco Chinchorro reserve, the north of Mahahual, and up to Bacalar Chico, on the border with Belize.

However, Gómez Catzín has raised concerns about the illegal fishing of this species. He highlighted that only three cooperatives in the south have been granted permission to catch up to three tons each. He warned, "It's shocking to see the amount in craft sales, they risk imprisonment," emphasizing the need for stricter surveillance to protect marine resources. The responsibility of overseeing fishing activities lies with Sader, Conapesca, and the Ministry of the Navy, who work within their respective jurisdictions to ensure the sustainability of marine species.

Despite the weather-related challenges and issues with illegal fishing, fishermen remain optimistic that the season will pick up as the weather improves and the demand for fresh fish increases during the Lenten season.